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NEW ATTEMPT TO STOP ROBOCALL EPIDEMIC – Nomorobo, a robocall blocking service, has taken the unusual step of suing four companies—all debt collectors—it claims are “significant violators” of a federal law that bans most robocalls.
HOME INSURANCE CRISIS: SOARING PREMIUMS & INADEQUATE PAYOUTS – The skyrocketing cost of home insurance far exceeds the rate of inflation. As a result, millions of homeowners are cutting back on coverage or going without, putting their finances at risk. Some insurance companies are also “lowballing” claims.
FTC SECURES HISTORIC $2.5 BILLION SETTLEMENT FROM AMAZON – Amazon will pay a civil penalty of $1 billion and refund $1.5 billion to approximately 35 million customers harmed by what the FTC described as “deceptive Prime enrollment practices,” and make it easier for customers to cancel in the future.
DELTA’S BIZARRE CREDIT CARD POLICY NEARLY STRANDED ME IN LONDON – My wife and I were blindsided by a poorly disclosed Delta Airlines policy that nearly cost us thousands of dollars. And this is not an isolated case.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLANS TO GUT AIRLINE PASSENGER PROTECTIONS – The Department of Transportation plans to scale back or eliminate some airline passenger protection rules that were enacted under the Biden administration. What’s on the chopping block?
Consumerpedia, Episode 92: THRIFT STORE SHOPPING ADVICE – Shopping at thrift stores can save you money and keep used stuff out of landfills. It’s also fun! In this episode: Tips on buying pre-owned furniture, clothing, and antiques, plus the scoop on how to find great deals on hidden treasures.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL STOP ISSUING PAPER CHECKS – After September 30, all government benefits – including Social Security, VA payments, and tax refunds – will be distributed electronically via direct deposit to bank accounts, digital wallets, or government-issued prepaid debit cards. Here’s what to do if you still get paper checks.
FEDERAL JUDGE KILLS CFPB RULE BANNING MEDICAL DEBT IN CREDIT REPORTS – The consumer-friendly rule would have removed $49 billion in medical debt from the credit reports of 15 million Americans and prohibited lenders from considering medical information when making future lending decisions.
COURT CANCELS CONSUMER-FRIENDLY ‘CLICK-TO-CANCEL’ SUBSCRIPTION RULE – A federal appeals court has blocked enforcement of an FTC rule that prohibits companies from making it more difficult for consumers to cancel unwanted subscriptions and memberships than it was to sign up for them.
Consumerpedia, Episode 91: CHECKBOOK’S LIFE HACKS – At Checkbook, we’re all about saving you time and money. In this episode, staffers share their favorite life hacks to help you shop smarter, spend wiser, and stay one step ahead. Listen and you might pick up a new go-to trick.